About

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in genealogy has inspired the creation of our coalition and the development of essential Guiding Principles to navigate these changes responsibly.

Recent advances in AI have been extraordinary. Since the introduction of Transformer architecture in 2017, groundbreaking tools like GPT-3 and DALL-E have reshaped what’s possible. By late 2022, AI became accessible and widely adopted, profoundly impacting fields like genealogy. While these tools open up new avenues for research and discovery, they also introduce ethical questions and risks we must address.

Following the rapid expansion of generative AI, discussions at the 2024 RootsTech ethics panel emphasized the urgent need for a framework. Our coalition engaged in a collaborative effort throughout 2024, refining the principles through thoughtful deliberation and extensive community input.

These Guiding Principles ensure responsible AI use in genealogy, addressing essential areas such as accuracy, disclosure, privacy, education, and compliance. For a full description of these principles, please visit our home page.

Responsible AI use builds public trust and maintains the integrity of genealogical research. As AI technology continues to evolve, these principles offer a solid foundation for ethical innovation within our community.

Mission Statement

To guide the genealogical community in the responsible and ethical use of AI, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and privacy while maximizing the benefits of AI for genealogical research.

Coalition Members

  • Kathy Behling
  • Ashley Bens
  • Blaine Bettinger
  • Katherine Borges
  • Lynn Broderick
  • Gordon Clarke
  • Steve Little
  • Russ Lynch
  • Thomas MacEntee
  • Angela Packer McGhie
  • David S. Ouimette
  • Drew Smith
  • Faye Jenkins Stallings
  • James Tanner
  • Jessica Taylor
  • Mark Thompson
  • Mark Wentling

Contact

Organizational Support